The Parish Church of St John the Baptist Beeston
Serving Christ in our Community
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Annual Report and Accounts of the Parochial Church Council for the Year Ended 31 December 2025
Contents
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Annual Reports | 1 |
| Financial Statements | 6 |
| Independent Examiner’s Report | 10 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 11 |
| Reports from Parish Groups | 12 |
Annual Report for the Parochial Church Council for the Year Ending 31 December 2025
Administrative Information
St John the Baptist is situated in Church Street, in the parish of Beeston and the Diocese of Southwell of Nottingham. The correspondence address is Beeston Vicarage, Middle Street, Beeston, Nottingham, NG9 1GA.
PCC members who have served from 1[st] January 2025 until the date of this report are: Incumbent Revd Wayne Plimmer Chairman Revd Kirstine Buchan Associate Priest Jem Bloomfield Lay Reader Revd Rob Wiggins Permission to Officiate Revd Dawn Glen Permission to Officiate Revd Monika Doering Permission to Officiate Revd Paul Knight Permission to Officiate Revd Dr Anne Phillips Permission to Officiate Wardens Pat Atkins Jackie Laats David Butler Deanery Synod Representatives Christopher Gray Julie Howson Parish Safeguarding Officer Laura Macdonald Elected Members Ian Buchan David Butler Kaye Ford Treasurer Pam Holland Jackie Laats Steve Lowe Kate Lyons PCC Safeguarding Lead Val Sellars Helen Spiby Norman Vaughton Richard Whitaker Revd Rob Wiggins
Structure, Governance and Management
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Councils Powers Measure. The PCC is a registered charity with the Charity Commission and its registered number is 1134788.
The method of appointment of the PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All Church attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC.
Objectives and Activities
The PCC’s objectives and operations are framed in the context of Church as a fellowship of believers whose main objective is to serve Christ in our community. This is worked out through a wide range of activities including:
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Sunday Eucharists and Worship
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Weekday Prayer and mid-week Eucharist
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Occasional offices (baptisms, weddings and funerals)
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Pastoral work
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Social Activities
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Weekday and Evening groups
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Ecumenical links.
Achievements and Performance
Church Attendance :
There are currently 114 members on the Church Electoral Roll, some of whom reside outside of the parish. This figure is 6 more than last year.
Average attendance at the 10am Sunday Eucharist has increased to 110. At the Wednesday 10am Eucharist, 20 people, on average, attend.
Safeguarding Review for the Year:
The House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policy states that the Church ‘will train and equip church officers to have the confidence and skills they need to care and support children, young people and vulnerable adults and to recognise and respond to abuse”.
Since 2020 we have been using the Parish Dashboard to ensure we are following Church of England policy and procedure regarding Safeguarding.
All activity leaders agree to meet the safeguarding requirements as required by the Diocese and Church of England, that is, Enhanced or Basic DBS as required by each post and appropriate level of safeguarding training. In February all regulated church activity leaders presented a risk assessment and role descriptors to the PCC, w2hich were all accepted. These are to be reviewed annually by the PCC.
Our PCC safeguarding lead is Kate Lyons who is a child protection manager in County Council’s children’s service.
Recently, the PCC agreed to purchasing a safeguarding programme designed for children to be built into the Sunday School programme. “Raise Your Roar with Roarry’” created by Thirty One: Eight was purchased. It is a safeguarding resource designed to equip and empower primary-age children to speak up about their concerns.
In addition, the PCC agreed to purchase a notice board for the sole use of safeguarding material, including posters of relevant agencies, support groups with contact details. The safeguarding notice board is in situ at the back of the church, close to the carpet area which families and children use.
To supplement the notice board, we are listing relevant agencies at the back of the service sheet and have some relevant safeguarding posters in the church toilet cubicles.
Posters are inside and outside of the church with Safeguarding contact numbers. PSO contact number is also on the church service sheet. Safeguarding information is also on the Parish website and Southwell and Nottingham Diocese website.
The PCC have been discussing the National Safeguarding Standards with the aim to ensure safeguarding is embedded into our practice throughout church life and activities.
The Church of England National Safeguarding Standards and Quality Assurance Framework aims:
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To make sure that people are being protected and responded to with compassion and humanity.
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To be transparent and accountable to key stakeholders (for example, victims and survivors of abuse, trustees, the wider community and public).
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To inform resource and strategic planning in respect of safeguarding.”
For more information clink on the link below https://www.churchofengland.org/safeguarding/national-safeguarding-standards or type Church of England National Safeguarding Standards into your search engine.
Julie Howson, Parish Safeguarding Officer
PCC Review for the Year:
Each PCC meeting receives reports from our Treasurer. Deanery Synod meetings are also reported to the PCC which updates us on wider issues. Regular reports are presented by representatives of other church organisations for discussion and annual reports from all these sources are presented for consideration at the Annual Parish Church Meeting (APCM). During 2025, the PCC met 7 times.
The Standing Committee normally meets prior to each PCC meeting to agree the draft minutes and agenda and to discuss matters and make decisions prior to full PCC approval. They take any significant recommendations for action to the PCC. In accordance with Church Representation Rules, the Standing Committee may also ‘transact the PCC’s business between meetings of the PCC’. During 2025 the Standing Committee met 7 times.
PCC meetings during 2025 remained quite varied.
The year began with the PCC attending a virtual workshop explaining the Church of England National Safeguarding Standards. The response to these was positive and it was agreed that we would adopt and work towards full compliance of the Standards. These have remained high on the agenda throughout the year, with the PCC completing worksheets, inviting group leaders to meetings and discussing how we can best support the Standards and keep safeguarding embedded within the wider church’s culture.
The PCC reviewed and approved safeguarding plans of action, provisions, risk assessments and policies and well as reviewing all church activities. First aid boxes were also reviewed and updated.
It was agreed that the church would roll out the Parish Giving Scheme, in place of the current Standing Order method of giving. This scheme means Gift Aid can be claimed more frequently and it reduces the work of the Treasurer and Planned Giving Officer.
Several fundraising activities took place during the year, which all proved to be successful. They included a Bellringers’ Quiz and the Christmas Tree Festival. The church also played host to a number of events by local groups which included concerts, dance lessons, Shakespearean plays and an art exhibition. Again, all were well received.
The main work carried out was work to the outside wall of the chair store, as well as the naive windows. Work to improve the lighting system was ongoing.
It was agreed that Helen Spiby would begin shadowing the two people currently appointed to the role of Church Warden.
Kathryn Weller, Clerk to the Trustees
Chairman’s Review for 2025:
2025 has been another positive year in the life of our Parish. With numbers overall gently rising.
As usual a really big thank you to everybody who has worked hard to ensure that we continue to be, for many, a place of welcome, acceptance and growth. Special thanks go to our Church Wardens, Pat Atkins and David Butler, our Treasurer, Kaye Ford and Kathryn Weller, our Parish Administrator.
We also welcomed Revd. Dr. Anne Phillips who has come on board in retirement with Permission to Officiate at St John’s and we are confident that she will offer a rich ministry of wisdom and experience. We also welcomed Rebecca Gillie and Fenn Sutton as the new joint leaders of our Messy Church.
We sadly had to say goodbye to Phil Miles our Organist who has gone to be Organ Scholar at St Mary’s, Lace Market. We thank him very much for his contribution to our life here.
Safeguarding remains an important aspect of church life and we have made good progress in working towards the Church of England National Safeguarding Standards in time for a 2027 deadline for compliance. Many thanks to Julie Howson, our Parish Safeguarding Officer, for helping to ensure this progress.
Financial challenges continue but as ever we are enormously grateful for those who give regularly to St John’s and its mission and ministry: if you are able to give regularly, please consider doing so. The PCC agreed some time ago to focus on a back-to-basics approach for 2026, where we focus on our use of the bible and promoting prayer in the life of our church and we continue to work on and develop that agenda.
Thank you so much for all your continued support.
God bless.
Fr Wayne Plimmer (Vicar)
Churchwarden’s Review and Fabric Report for the Year:
Pope & Parr have repaired and replaced a leaded window above the dais which was damaged in high gales and a window opener which no longer worked was sealed shut helping to conserve heat loss. Bonsers have done the usual twice-yearly check of the roof tiles and gutters.
The boiler has been a cause of concern on numerous occasions during the past year, but it is working satisfactorily now.
Bonsors have cleaned, repointed and replace damaged stonework to the external walls of the chair store. This was paid for by the MR&I grant
E-Bound have had to replace 2 roof alarm sensors which were damage by objects being thrown at them. Protective guards were looked at, but due to Faculty charges being £370 and £4 each for the covers the idea was withdrawn.
Alterations to the main church lighting has been made regarding the bulb wattages to enable more brighter light where it is most needed.
Simon Rostron has carried out a PAT test on all potable electrical appliances. Our next PAT test will be in August 2027.
A Legionella test was carried out on the church’s water, which was all-clear.
David Butler and Pat Atkins, Churchwardens
Deanery Synod Review for the Year:
This year we have welcomed Rev’d Matt Roberts and Rev’d Emma Rolls (St Michaels and All Angels Bramcote, and said goodbye to Rev’d Father Ian McCormack (St George in the Meadows), Rev’d Rob Brewis (St Mary’s Wollaton Park), Rev’d Anna Clarke (Trinity), Rev’d Beth Resch (Trinity), Daniele Bochetti (Holy Trinty Lenton) and Tasha Genck (St Nics), Tracey Byrne (St John’s Carrington)
The Deanery Leadership Team has continued to meet during the year to plan Synod and to discuss ways to support parishes in the Deanery – particularly those in vacancy. We have held three Synods: On 25[th] February we met at St Mary’s in the Lace Market. We explored the theme of mission in our context. Father Lee Dunleavy, Rev’d Luke Meadows and Rev’d James Saunders all shared how they approach mission and ministry in their distinct contexts and traditions. Charlie Barber, Lay Chair shared a report from Diocesan Synod. We also said goodbye to Kirsty Cowley, Deanery Administrator.
On 9th July we met at St Cyprian’s Sneinton. Rev’d Jo Tatum began by speaking about the Diocesan Vision. Tim Fox, Vicar of St Paul’s, Boundary Road, and Area Dean of West Bingham spoke to us about Love, Joy, Peace. It’s a resource that Tim has created for sharing faith generously. We also elected Father Lee Dunleavy to be a Diocesan Synod representative.
On 20th November we met at Holy Trinity Lenton. We explored the theme of growing disciples with courage. We watched several testimonies from the Diocesan Living Hope Series. Rev’d Jo Tatum encouraged us to think about how we share our faith with courage. We also held a Q&A with a panel of representatives from Diocesan synod.
The Deanery paid 89% of its giving for ministry in 2025. Every parish is thanked for their generosity.
Katie Barlow (Deanery Administrator)
Financial Review
Our finances for 2025 have, unfortunately, shown a downward trend over those of 2024. We ended the year with a deficit of just over £10,000, which was £3500 more than we anticipated in our budget. But we must also consider that we had budgeted to pay £50,000 towards our Parish Share and we only managed to pay £40,000. Our Diocesan request was actually £60,252 and for the next year is £62,061, against which we have budgeted to pay £50,000. This situation really must be high on our list of priorities for 2026.
We have received reduced amounts of PCC fees due to a decrease in the number of weddings and church funerals and our general donations have reduced, possibly as a result of the cost-of-living. We were, however, fortunate to receive a legacy from the estate of the late David Capstick. There are specific requirements to allocate this legacy to, so it initially enabled us to purchase the new
noticeboards fixed to the table at the back of church. Other expenditure has yet to be considered for the balance.
With regards to expenditure, our biggest payments were in respect of the choir store brickwork and the small top window repair. We were able to claim the window repair from our insurers so only ended up paying the excess of £250 on the claim. We were also very lucky with the chair store work – we received a substantial grant towards the work.
The amounts paid out for salaries has also increased due to government increases in NI and minimum wages. Despite these rises we still consider that we get very good value for money. It must also be mentioned that the work done on salaries/pensions etc. by Michael Gillie is very much appreciated.
It is hoped that next year we will be able to sort out getting onto online banking and also that more people will be willing to transfer their giving to the Parish Giving Scheme as this will make finances a lot easier to control. We have learnt some bad news recently regarding the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme. This is going to cease at the end of March 2026. It has been very helpful in that it has allowed us to remain VAT on repair work that we have had done. It is understood that another scheme is to be set up but this will operate to different criteria and may not be so relevant to us. No details have been released about this scheme yet and no indication given of when they will be made known – so it’s a case of wait and see.
It is hoped to re-establish a Finance Group in the new year so anyone interested is asked to speak to myself or to Father Wayne.
Finally, I would like to thank all members of the congregation who continue to give generously to St John’s and hope you will be able to so well into the future.
Kaye Ford – Treasurer to the PCC
Planned Giving
Gift Aid claimed for the calendar year 2024 was £20,976.50
Gift Aid estimate for the calendar year 2025 should be approximately £10 - £12K
Donations via Direct Debit has fallen to £39,54. This is due to some donors changing from donating via direct debit to the Parish Share Giving Scheme which was introduced in the summer of 2025. Details of this scheme are available at the welcome desk.
60 donors who are UK taxpayers, allowing us to claim Gift Aid, were registered January 2025, sadly two donors have died.
Out of the 60 donors, 7 have moved to the Parish Giving Scheme which claims gift aid monthly and automatically transfers the gift aid to the church’s account.
One donor has moved to pledge giving as they no longer pay tax. Therefore, in January 2026, 50 donors who pay by direct debit are recorded on the Gift Aid register.
We have 13 donors who donate by a monthly direct debit but who are not UK tax payers, sadly one donor has died. These donors combined have donated £3,450 (January to December 2025)
CAF has brought in an income £12,014.59 (January 2025 – December 2025) The Good Box an income of £3503.46 (January 2025 – December 2025) Parish Giving Scheme £13,053 (July 2025 to December 2025)
Yellow gift aid envelopes £179 (January 2025 to December 2025)
We have two parishioners who still like to use the brown envelopes for their pledge giving (non-Gift Aid donations)
The PCC and the clergy at St John the Baptist are extremely grateful for the generous giving of our parishioners.
I have resigned from the post of Planned Giving Officer, and we are seeking someone who can take over this important task until all donations come through the Parish Giving Scheme.
Julie Howson, Planned Giving Officer
Parochial Church Council of St John the Baptist, Beeston, Nottingham Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025
1 Accounting Policies
See attached document – model set of accounting policies
2
2a
2b
2c
2d
2e
2f
| Incoming Resources | Unrestricted Funds | Restricted Funds | Total Funds 2025 | Total Funds 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Incoming Resources | ||||
| Planned Giving - | ||||
| Covenants/Gift Aid | £66,303.69 | £0.00 | £66,303.69 | £66,521.00 |
| Tax Returned on Convenants | £4,139.38 | £0.00 | £4,139.38 | £10,711.00 |
| Unconvenanted | £3,570.00 | £0.00 | £3,570.00 | £2,885.00 |
| Collections All Services | £2,587.49 | £0.00 | £2,587.49 | £3,354.00 |
| Sundry Donations | £3,168.41 | £0.00 | £3,168.41 | £2,661.00 |
| £79,768.97 | £0.00 | £79,768.97 | £86,132.00 | |
| Other Voluntary | ||||
| Incoming Resources | ||||
| Donations, Appeals etc. | £0.00 | £1,190.76 | £1,190.76 | £2,060.00 |
| Legacies | £1,000.00 | £0.00 | £1,000.00 | £0.00 |
| Fundraising Events | £1,937.31 | £0.00 | £1,937.31 | £1,821.00 |
| Easy Fundraising | £183.43 | £0.00 | £183.43 | £332.00 |
| £3,120.74 | £1,190.76 | £4,311.50 | £4,213.00 | |
| Income from Charitable | ||||
| and Ancillary Trading | ||||
| Candle Sales | £115.05 | £0.00 | £115.05 | £67.00 |
| PCC Fees/Extras | £2,546.00 | £0.00 | £2,546.00 | £4,161.00 |
| Booklets/BRF etc. | £0.00 | £95.00 | £95.00 | £120.00 |
| £2,661.05 | £95.00 | £2,756.05 | £4,348.00 | |
| Other Ordinary | ||||
| Income Resources | ||||
| Coffee Fund | £2,009.32 | £0.00 | £2,009.32 | £2,468.00 |
| Hire of Premises | £2,145.00 | £0.00 | £2,145.00 | £1,831.00 |
| Gifts | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £265.00 |
| Misc. Income | £0.00 | £767.00 | £767.00 | £219.00 |
| Sale of Sound System | £30.00 | £0.00 | £30.00 | £450.00 |
| Eco Grant | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £250.00 |
| Grant re. Chair Store Work | £0.00 | £4,034.61 | £4,034.61 | £0.00 |
| Insurance re. Window Repair | £0.00 | £980.00 | £980.00 | £0.00 |
| £4,184.32 | £5,781.61 | £9,965.93 | £5,483.00 | |
| Income from Investments | ||||
| Dividends/Interest | £489.31 | £599.46 | £1,088.77 | £1,130.00 |
| North Aisle Roof | ||||
| VAT refund | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £1,938.00 |
| Grants/Donations | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £8,000.00 |
| Tax on donations | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £2,000.00 |
| £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £11,938.00 | |
| VAT reclaimed from LPWS | £1,310.28 | £0.00 | £1,310.28 | £0.00 |
| Total Incoming Resources | £91,534.67 | £7,666.83 | £99,201.50 | £113,244.00 |
2g
Parochial Church Council of St John the Baptist, Beeston, Nottingham
Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2025 3 Resources Used
| 3 | Resources Used | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted Funds | Restricted Funds | Total Funds 2025 | Total Funds 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| 3a | Grants | ||||
| Relief and Development | |||||
| Agencies | £240.00 | £0.00 | £240.00 | £240.00 | |
| Home Missions and | |||||
| other Church Societies | £0.00 | £1,126.05 | £1,126.05 | £323.00 | |
| Clergy/Other Gifts | £50.00 | £0.00 | £50.00 | £265.00 | |
| £290.00 | £1,126.05 | £1,416.05 | £828.00 | ||
| 3b | Activities Directly Relating | ||||
| to the Work of the Church | |||||
| Ministry - | |||||
| Giving to Ministry | £40,000.00 | £0.00 | £40,000.00 | £41,000.00 | |
| Clergy Development | £518.00 | £0.00 | £518.00 | £645.00 | |
| Clergy Expenses | £234.20 | £0.00 | £234.20 | £246.00 | |
| Church - | |||||
| Running Expenses | £20,308.74 | £0.00 | £20,308.74 | £20,174.00 | |
| Repairs and Maintenance | £4,109.13 | £0.00 | £4,109.13 | £2,844.00 | |
| Bell Tower Work | £177.30 | £0.00 | £177.30 | £83.00 | |
| Cleaners Fees | £1,064.44 | £0.00 | £1,064.44 | £2,447.00 | |
| Upkeep of Services | £1,747.88 | £0.00 | £1,747.88 | £1,136.00 | |
| Religious Education inc. BRF | £405.74 | £0.00 | £405.74 | £278.00 | |
| Salary of Organist/ | |||||
| Choir Leader | £6,606.04 | £0.00 | £6,606.04 | £5,971.00 | |
| Choir Expenses | £210.74 | £0.00 | £210.74 | £380.00 | |
| Roof Alarm | £1,408.80 | £0.00 | £1,408.80 | £1,258.00 | |
| Bank Charges | £113.03 | £0.00 | £113.03 | £177.00 | |
| Mission Opportunities & ARK | £147.84 | £0.00 | £147.84 | £204.00 | |
| Messy Church | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £206.00 | |
| Noticeboard | £0.00 | £90.72 | £90.72 | £0.00 | |
| Lighting Improvements | £559.00 | £0.00 | £559.00 | £8,118.00 | |
| Chair Store Repairs | £1,942.69 | £4,034.61 | £5,977.30 | £0.00 | |
| Window Repair | £250.00 | £980.00 | £1,230.00 | £0.00 | |
| Bird Boxes | £0.00 | £276.00 | £276.00 | £0.00 | |
| £79,803.57 | £5,381.33 | £85,184.90 | £85,167.00 | ||
| 3c | Fundraising and Publicity | ||||
| Costs of Fundraising Events | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | |
| 3d | Church Management | ||||
| and Administration | |||||
| Print,Statnry,Phones,Pstge | £3,679.03 | £0.00 | £3,679.03 | £3,919.00 | |
| Parish Secretary | £15,895.87 | £0.00 | £15,895.87 | £12,398.00 | |
| Misc. Expenses | £75.20 | £111.20 | £186.40 | £132.00 | |
| Marketing and Publicity inc. Wifi & Licences | £1,293.27 | £0.00 | £1,293.27 | £1,439.00 | |
| Audit Fee | £160.00 | £0.00 | £160.00 | £160.00 | |
| £21,103.37 | £111.20 | £21,214.57 | £18,048.00 | ||
| 3e | North Aisle Roof Repairs | £1,608.91 | £0.00 | £1,608.91 | £11,930.00 |
| Total Resources Used | £102,805.85 | £6,618.58 | £109,424.43 | £115,973.00 |
Parochial Church Council of St John the Baptist, Beeston, Nottingham Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||||
| Fixed Assets | |||||
| Investment Assets | Capital | £1,025.00 | £1,025.00 | ||
| Interest | £3,425.35 | £2,826.00 | |||
| £4,450.35 | £3,851.00 | ||||
| Current Assets | |||||
| Debtors/Paid in Advance | £13,447.28 | £31,888.00 | |||
| Short Term Investments | £41,301.33 | £40,812.00 | |||
| Cash at Bank | £23,061.64 | £10,607.00 | |||
| £77,810.25 | £83,307.00 | ||||
| Liabilities: Amounts Falling Due | Within One Year | -£8,357.53 | -£3,032.00 | ||
| Net Assets | £73,903.07 | £84,126.00 | |||
| Represented by Funds | |||||
| Unrestricted | £68,048.14 | £78,493.00 | |||
| Restricted | £4,829.93 | £4,608.00 | |||
| Endowment | £1,025.00 | £1,025.00 | |||
| £73,903.07 | £84,126.00 | ||||
| Analysis of Net Assets by Fund | |||||
| Unrestricted Funds | Restricted Funds | Endowment Funds | Total Funds | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Fixed Assets | £0.00 | £3,425.35 | £1,025.00 | £4,450.35 | |
| Current Assets | £75,956.95 | £1,853.30 | £0.00 | £77,810.25 | |
| Current Liabilities | -£7,908.81 | -£448.72 | £0.00 | -£8,357.53 | |
| £68,048.14 | £4,829.93 | £1,025.00 | £73,903.07 |
It should also be noted that the following balances were held by a Church group at 31.12.2025 :- Bell Ringers £2,732.87
The market value of Endowments held at 31.12.2025 was as follows:Beeston Chancel Fund £24,466.38
The market value of the CCLA Investment Fund A/C at 31.12.2025 was £38,762.92 (£30,000 was invested in this fund and is included in the Short Term Investment figure).
Parochial Church Council of St John the Baptist, Beeston, Nottingham
Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2025
| Unrestricted Funds | Restricted Funds | Endowment Funds | Total 2025 | Total 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Incoming Resources | |||||
| Donations & Legacies | £4,168.41 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £4,168.41 | £4,721.00 |
| Charitable Activities | £86,876.95 | £2,052.76 | £0.00 | £88,929.71 | £95,204.00 |
| Investments | £489.31 | £599.46 | £0.00 | £1,088.77 | £1,130.00 |
| North Aisle Roof Funds | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £10,000.00 |
| VAT Refund on North Aisle Roof | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £1,939.00 |
| Eco Grant | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £250.00 |
| Grant re. Chair Store | £0.00 | £4,034.61 | £0.00 | £4,034.61 | £0.00 |
| Insurance re. Windows | £0.00 | £980.00 | £0.00 | £980.00 | £0.00 |
| £91,534.67 | £7,666.83 | £0.00 | £99,201.50 | £113,244.00 | |
| Resources Used | |||||
| Charitable Activities | £99,004.25 | £1,603.97 | £0.00 | £100,608.22 | £104,043.00 |
| North Aisle Roof Repairs | £1,608.91 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £1,608.91 | £11,930.00 |
| Chair Store Repairs | £1,942.69 | £4,034.61 | £0.00 | £5,977.30 | £0.00 |
| Window Repairs | £250.00 | £980.00 | £0.00 | £1,230.00 | £0.00 |
| £102,805.85 | £6,618.58 | £0.00 | £109,424.43 | £115,973.00 | |
| Net Incoming/(Outgoing) Resources | -£11,271.18 | £1,048.25 | £0.00 | -£10,222.93 | -£2,729.00 |
| Balance b/fwd @ 1 Jan 2025 | £126,486.19 | -£43,385.19 | £1,025.00 | £84,126.00 | £86,855.00 |
| Balance c/fwd @ 31 Dec 2025 | £115,215.01 | -£42,336.94 | £1,025.00 | £73,903.07 | £84,126.00 |
Accounts prepared by:
Kaye Ford – FMAAT Treasurer to the P.C.C.
Accounts Approved by the P.C.C. On 26th March 2026
Revd. W. Plimmer Vicar and Chair of the P.C.C.
Independent examiner’s report to the PCC of St John the Baptist, Beeston
This report on the financial statements of the PCC for the year ended 31 December 2025, which are set out on pages 1 to is in respect of an examination carried out in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 (‘the Regulations”) and section 43 of the Charities Act 1993 (“the Act”).
Respective responsibilities of the PCC and the examiner
As members of the PCC you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements. You consider that the audit requirement of the Regulations and section 43(2) of the Act do not apply. It is my responsibility to issue this report on these financial statements in accordance with the terms of the Regulations.
Basis of this Report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 43(7)(b) of the Act and to be found in the Church Guidance, 2006 edition, issued by the Finance Division of the Archbishops’ Council. That examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC and a comparison of the accounts with those records. It also includes considering any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently | do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.
Independent examiner’s statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
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e to keep accounting records in accordance with section 41 of the Act; and
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e to prepare financial statements, which accord with the accounting records and comply with the requirements of the Act and Regulations
have not been met; or
- (2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
iS lakes Deborah Whitaker MAAT 11 Old Road, Sutton-in-Ashfield
41" March 2026
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2025
1. Accounting Policies
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 together with applicable accounting standards and the SORP 2005 and SORP 2015.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for the valuation of investment assets, which are shown at market value. The financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body, nor those that are informal gatherings of church members.
Funds
Endowment funds are funds, the capital of which must be maintained; only income arising from investments of the endowment may be used either as restricted or unrestricted funds depending upon the purpose for which the endowment was established.
Restricted funds represent (a) income from trusts or endowments which may be expended only on those restricted objects provided in the terms of the trust or bequest, and (b) donations or grants received for a specific object or invited by the PCC for a specific object. The funds may only be expended on the specific object for which they were given. Any balance remaining unspent at the end of each year must be carried forward as a balance on that fund. The PCC does not usually invest separately for each fund. Where there is no separate investment, interest is investment, interest is apportioned to individual funds on an average balance basis.
Unrestricted funds are general funds which can be used for PCC ordinary purposes.
Incoming Resources
Planning giving, collections and donation are recognized when received. Tax refunds are recognized when the incoming resource to which they relate is received. Grants and legacies are accounted for when the PCC is legally entitled to the amounts due. Dividends are accounted for when receivable, interest is accrued. All other income is recognized when it is receivable. All incoming resources are accounted for gross.
Resources Expended
Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding or constructive obligation on the PCC. The diocesan parish share is accounted for when due. Amounts received specifically for mission are dealt with as restricted funds. All other expenditure is generally recognized when it is incurred and is accounted for gross.
Fixed Assets
Consecrated and benefice property is not included in the accounts in accordance with s.96(2)(a) of the Charities Act 1993.
Moveable church furnishing held by the vicar and churchwardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal are inalienable property, listed in the church’s inventory, which can be inspected (at any reasonable time). For anything acquired prior to 2000 there is insufficient cost information available and therefore such assets are not valued in the financial statements.
The Parish Church of St John the Baptist Beeston
Serving Christ in our Community
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Reports from Parish Groups 2025
ABC2
This report covers the year January – December 2025 Since starting back in June 2023, the group has continued to have a steady group of children and parents/ carers attending with the addition of a few newcomers following a renewed advertising effort on social media. We have continued to meet on a Tuesday morning and offer the same activities and refreshments.
We sponsored a Christmas Tree on behalf of all the children’s groups in Church as part of the Church Christmas Tree festival.
We donated £15 from group funds to Children In Need and £60 to Church funds.
We have continued with the tradition of doing something ‘special’ for the children at Christmas, Easter and the Summer break. This is usually a small party and small take home gift.
There are 5 members of the team that help run crafts, story time, singing and refreshments.
Thanks to all those who help run the group and also to those who attend.
Pam Holland
Ark Youth Group
2025 was another action-packed year at Ark and marked the 3 year anniversary of the relaunch of a youth group at St John’s. In September we welcomed some more new members moving up from Sunday School and it has been wonderful to see our young people’s faith and fellowship continue to grow over the year.
Our monthly social sessions are a great space for games, crafts and activities and of course a meal together allowing time for our young people to catch up and chat about things going on in their lives.
We have enjoyed a wide variety of activities this year including an Epiphany party, pancake tossing relays, games in the churchyard and much more.
During 2025, we continued with our extended evening sessions which allowed us to weave the learning into the fun and games and have longer discussions than time affords on a Sunday morning.
On Sunday mornings we have continued exploring the Christian faith, getting more familiar with the Bible and discussing the readings of the church calendar. We also tie in the themes in the wider Church of England, supported by their resources and this year celebrated the 1,700 th anniversary of the Nicene Creed with a 4 week programme exploring the history and development of the creeds and the meaning behind them. As always, the learning is accompanied by drinks and snacks.
In 2026 our focus is to build on the solid foundations made since we started Ark in 2022 and to reach out to other young people in our community.
To enable us to continue our work, we are in need of more people to support our young people in their faith journey, whether that is as a regular leader or helper, or as a one off. If you feel you have something to offer, please do get in touch.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us this year by practical actions or through prayer.
And finally… just a reminder that any young people in Year 6 or above are welcome to come along and see what we get up to.
Katy McBurnie, Ark Co-Ordinator
Bellringers
The band of ringers at St. John’s continues to flourish and remains one of the strongest groups of bell ringers in the Southwell and Nottingham diocese Since the last report we have welcomed two new recruits to the band, Sophie and Rachel, both complete beginners who are making good progress in learning this ancient art. From our younger teenage ringers, the band consisted of people from pretty much every decade up to those in their 90s! On average we have 12 ringers up the tower on a Sunday morning which allows all 10 bells to ring out most weeks. Wednesday practice nights are somewhat more hectic with an average attendance of 22. Having such a diverse and enthusiastic band encourages development every year in the art of change ringing and this is reflected in the team retaining the coveted Crawford Cup for producing the most rhythmically accurate ringing at the contest in May.
We held our AGM in March 2025, re-electing our principal officers many of whom over this next year will have completed 25 years in role. Tower Captain Bridget Eickhoff and Ringing Master Alistair Smith have decided that it is time to hand over the reins, so 2026 will be a year of transition.
In addition to ringing on Sunday mornings, for weddings and during our Wednesday evening practices, we rang 20 quarter peals on Sunday afternoons. These are used to not only develop the ringing skills of the band but to mark significant events. Over the year these have included the 80th anniversary of VE day, for which the Mayor of Broxtowe attended. We also celebrated our Tower Captain, Bridget, being made an MBE for services to the rail industry. Most recently we were greatly saddened by the loss of Brian Walton our former Tower Captain and longest standing member but celebrated his contribution to ringing at St. John’s with a number of performances.
Apart from ringing, we enjoyed a number of social activities, including a long weekend together on the Welsh Borders to ring at various churches and to walk through some hills less trod. Pizzas were consumed at the Smith household, croquet played and fellowship made through a wine tasting evening and shared food at our Christmas Party.
Another highlight of the year was the Church Quiz which attracted a good number of the congregation. Thanks should be given to Tom for returning as our quiz master for a second time and to all those providing the ever-popular food.
We have also supported the church open mornings over the year by offering up tours of the tower and an introduction to ringing bells. These are always great fun and really appreciated by the visitors.
Finally, our younger ringers make up the majority of the team representing the diocese at national and regional contests. In July they competed at the National Youth contest in Birmingham and really challenged themselves. Looking forward to July this year where the contest is being held around Nottingham, we will have the opportunity to show the community around St. John’s how popular ringing is with the next generation and how we aim to retain our voice around Beeston. Look out for more details ahead of 4th July.
The Ringers
Children’s Society Box Collection
Following a couple of requests for the return of boxes/ donations to the Children’s Society, we managed to gather in 7 boxes and donations. This has now been banked and amounted to £ 155.82.
The collection from the Christingle service raised £280.92
I would like to extend thanks to those who donated.
Pam Holland
Choir
In spite of falling numbers in the last few years, the Choir continues to lead the musical services in a good way, When there is no more than one singer per part, then there is a huge responsibility resting upon them That has been the case for many months now, Credit is due, particularly to our Bass and Tenor singers bearing sole responsibility for their line but also to the altos , most of whom have family to care for, so attendance can be intermittent. In this situation, we could easily feel defeated, but we struggle on, sometimes with as few as 5 or 6 singers available for rehearsal, and I believe that we perform well in sustaining the musical transition of our church. Thanks are due to Kenneth and Chris Prather, who joined us all too briefly from India, and who, after a couple of years have removed to the north. Lee, one of our Basses, having finished his degree course, has now moved away, but thanks are due to him for his musical contribution. The late 1970s, I believe, was when we were ' invaded ' by a family with four young children who have all played a most welcome part in our church lives. The father of this family, Roy Atkins, has been singing with our choir since then, also cooking, and consuming a fair number of pancakes in the days when we had a church hall in which to cook and celebrate Shrove Tuesday, among other events and concerts, etc. There was so much happening in those days. Now, with the march of time, we have lost and gained in more or less equal parts. Our other tenor, Ash, is taking a break, but is now responsible for the monthly Taize services, supported by some of the choir We have dropped from 3 Tenors and 3 Basses since the end of the summer term. Anyone is welcome to come alongside and try us out for a while. Nowadays you do not necessarily have to be able to read music as Paul has put together a wonderful online resource for our music, so you can hear your own part on a device and learn your line that way. There is a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction to be had, and our choir is a very friendly group who will welcome you, so, how about joining with us? If you have been worshipping with us for a while, you will know that we do at least one big, joint service with the Beeston Methodist choir, which is always enjoyable, and also there are occasional evening services with more singing. PLEASE, if you, or anyone you know, could help us to combat the diminishing numbers, contact one of the choir to find out more. To sum up...in spite of low attendances, I feel that the choir are doing an excellent, essential job of leading our musical services and are to be congratulated on what is achieved.
Chris Warren, Director of Music
Church Flowers
Thanks to everyone who has and continues to donate money to enable us to have the beautiful flowers in Church.
Pam Holland
Coffee Stop
Coffee stop continues to support the churches mission by providing the community with a safe place where people can freely walk in and enjoy a hot drink, something to eat and a friendly chat with other like-minded people.
Attendance figures average around 20 regulars each week with occasional increases due to new faces and special event days.
On September 28th we held a Macmillan coffee morning and managed to raise £201.75. Thank you to all who supported and organised the event.
A weekly rotation of either Sausage & Bacon cobs, Toast, or home-made and bought cakes are freely offered to all who attend and it is from this that we receive donations which help to support and keep coffee stop going.
A very big Thank you goes to Kellimarie and her mum Jeanne who helped by running the coffee stop kitchen in serving up the food and drinks as well as baking cakes, along with Christina and Dave. We also thank Ros for all she has done until her illness prevented her continuing.
Finally I would like to give my thanks to Dave who wrote this report and also stepped in to ensure the group kept operating in my enforced absence. Reverend Rob Wiggins
Eco Church
Eco Church - Sharing God’s love through caring for Creation
Eco Church encourages churches to measure themselves and their creation care progress across the five categories of its survey. In December 2024 St John’s achieved its Bronze award. The Eco Church Group aims to help enable our whole congregation to become increasingly aware of the joys and responsibilities of caring for God’s world and everything in it.
Some actions in the year to February 2026
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Work is ongoing to investigate grant funding for major works to reduce the church’s carbon footprint. Dave Butler is leading on this.
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Fran Blackler and Val Sellars attended the Broxtowe Borough Council’s Climate Change Forum in March 2025, discovered what is happening on the environmental front in our community and made some useful contacts.
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The church was open for Earth Day in April, and those who came were encouraged to think about their relationship with our planet whilst doing simple actions/activities. Although numbers were small, possibly due to its being Easter Tuesday, all were appreciative. Several people came from other churches, and we hope to publicise the 2026 repeat more widely in community sources.
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The Sunday School used the churchyard for a variety of activities during one half term, and also surveyed members of the congregation one Sunday on how they travelled to church.
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Our regular worship includes prayers, hymns and other aspects exploring creation care.
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We celebrated Creation Sunday in October when Val Sellars from the Eco Church Group was the preacher.
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Eco Church had a tree with natural decorations at the Christmas Tree Festival. The congregation were invited to add cards with their Christmas greetings to friends at church and make a donation. £30+ was donated to the National Trust’s tree-planting campaign.
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Eco Corner appears most weeks in the Notices, and seeks to raise awareness of God’s whole creation in a variety of ways. During Secondhand September we encouraged people to ‘Shop in your Closet’ rather than buying new.
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Our commitment to Eco Church appears on our website and on the public church noticeboards. There is also an Eco Church noticeboard in church to the right of the door into the toilets.
The Eco Group members are always happy to hear your thoughts and ideas - our names are on the noticeboard. We are also keen to involve more people from the congregation, so if you can help in any way with time and/or talents do get in touch with us. Please don’t wait to be asked! You can also contact us via Kathryn at the church office.
We are: Val Sellars, Ian Buchan, Fran Blackler, Jackie Laats, Helen Spiby, Favour Borokini and Revd. Dawn Glen. Buildings and Energy: David Butler.
Val Sellars
‘Green Pastures’ Dementia Friendly Service
The Green Pastures Service (on the first Tuesday of every month 2-3pm) continues to thrive and the numbers have been increasing year on year. The service is of short duration with well-known hymns, a reflection, usually relevant to the time of year in the liturgy, and prayers. Tea and coffee, often with cake, is served afterwards to allow everyone to socialise in a supportive environment.
Although the service is tailored to meet the needs of people with Dementia everyone is welcome and we have a very mixed congregation. Some people come from the regular congregation who enjoy singing hymns and the get together after the service. Some people have returned even though their partner with Dementia has died because they appreciate the ongoing support. Some people are brought from the local care homes; residents who may have had connections with St John’s or were used to attending church before going into the care home.
The atmosphere is friendly, welcoming and sometimes slightly chaotic but the underlying ethos is one of love and spiritual support.
The service has a loyal and great team with Chris’s musicality, Rev Paul’s bonhomie and leadership, Paul Carpenter’s doorman responsibilities, Julie Howson’s joviality and Val Knight and I provide the cake!
Rosemary Carpenter
Julian Prayer Group
The Julian meeting, named after Julian of Norwich, has been carrying on in the background at St John’s for many years. Many Christian organisations hold these meetings though they may differ in how they are run. The aim is to practise and promote contemplative prayer.
We meet at St John’s on the 3rd Thursday of the month from 4.30 to 5.00. We follow a very simple format. Each meeting is started with a short reading or prayer and then we sit in silence for half an hour finishing with a prayer. There is something very profound in a small group of people sitting together waiting on God in silence.
All are welcome to join us.
Rosemary and Paul Carpenter
Messy Church
Messy Church resumed in July 2025 under the new leadership of Fenn Sutton and Rebecca Gillie. We have run 4 Messy Church sessions so far: in July, October, November, and February, with a further session in planning for the end of March. The themes were God’s Love, Compassion for all, Advent, and the Prodigal Son; the session at the end of March will be on Holy Week and Easter. We have further sessions planned for June, October and December, with the possibility of an extra meeting in the summer holidays if we have enough helpers.
Our sessions continue to welcome a mix of regular faces and new families. We have a strong community of regular attendees and this year have usually had around 20-25 children at each session with their parents and carers.
Messy Church could not run without our team of about 10 regular helpers; those who come along and lead the activities and those who help set up beforehand and clear up afterwards, and we would like to extend our thanks to all our helpers for their willingness to come along on a Saturday afternoon and get messy! It has been lovely, too, to have a number of young people getting involved as young leaders at Messy Church; this is an area that would be great to develop in future. In all our sessions and volunteer recruitment we follow the Church’s safeguarding guidelines and will be happy to submit relevant documents to the PCC as required.
We would like in particular to express our thanks to Naomi Groves, Julie Howson and Father Wayne for their leadership of Messy Church last year and for their invaluable ongoing involvement and support. Please continue to pray for the Messy Church team and the Messy Church community here at St John’s as we take this work forward.
Rebecca Gillie
Stitch and Meditate
The stitch and meditate group have met regularly for fellowship, craft and cake until Christmas. Unfortunately, due to a variety of reasons, Stitch and meditate has been suspended until a new leader for the group can be found. Thank you to everyone who has supported the group since it began and we hope to meet again in the future.
Ash Shaw
Sunday School
Sunday school has continued to run each Sunday during term time this year. During the Spring term we followed the lectionary most weeks. During the Summer term we changed things a bit by holding some of Sunday sessions outside in the Church grounds. The aim was to link in with the Eco Church activities. We talked about the ‘wind’ for Pentecost, habitats outside, a transport tally, the Church building, the flowers and leaves – (where we scattered some wild flower seed bombs into the wild area) and Fairtrade.
During the Autumn term we learned about the people from the Jesse Tree, this topic took us all the way up to Christmas.
The format has remained the same where we meet downstairs on the carpet at the beginning of the Sunday Service, then all go upstairs together. Each session starts with a bible story which is accompanied with a craft or activity and then aim to finish with a prayer before re-joining the service downstairs for the Peace.
We have a lovely group of young people that attend with their families and have also welcomed a couple of new children during the year.
We are now a team of 6 people who are on a rota to lead and help each week.
Our thanks to all those who offer their time and help and those who come along.
Pam Holland
Taizé Services
Taize services have been running regularly over the last 12 months with up to 20 members of the church joining us during this reflective time. We have enjoyed learning new chants and we are looking forward to continuing to worship in this time. Thank you to everyone who helps with running the services and those who contribute ideas.
Ash Shaw